Switzerland: Federal Office for Migration

The Swiss Federal Office for Migration (FOM) resulted from the merger, as of 1 January 2005, of the Federal Office for Refugees (FOR) and the Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration (IMES). This new authority regulates the conditions under which people can enter Switzerland in order to live and work here. It also decides who will receive protection from persecution. Moreover, the Office for Migration co-ordinates Federal government, cantonal and communal efforts on behalf of integration and is the organ responsible at Federal level for naturalization matters. In addition, the Office advises Swiss citizens planning to emigrate. An international dialogue on all aspects of migration policy is actively cultivated with countries of origin, transit and other target countries as well as with international organizations. Its headquarters are in Berne, with six branch offices in the various regions of Switzerland.

The Federal Office for Migration has its own Country Information Department, which collects and distributes information on the countries of origin of individuals applying for asylum in Switzerland. Reports which are in the public domain are included in this database. Website: www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home.html